The Worst Monster

A child asked me a difficult question.

"Which monster is the worst that you might find?"

Those simple words made a troublesome choice.

A terrible truth or easy deceit?

I could speak of monsters lurking at night,

In the dark, beyond the safety of sheets.

Those with teeth barred and their blades held aloft,

Who would make sure he did not see morning.

But the worst don't wait to strike in your sleep.

In fact, they only come out when it's light.

They creep along in silence behind you,

And drive you not to death but to madness.

I could tell stories of vampires or ghouls,

But, in truth, shadows are more sinister.